HC Deb 20 December 1999 vol 341 cc421-2W
Mr. Robertson

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to allow doctors and hospitals to withdraw life-sustaining food and water from patients; and if he will make a statement. [103599]

Ms Stuart

Food and fluids should always be offered to patients who are capable of swallowing them. Where nutrition and hydration have to be provided by artificial means, their possible withdrawal is in all cases a matter of clinical judgment which is undertaken in accordance with professional advice provided by a responsible and recognised body of medical opinion and the general law.

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